[February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun
Two-year-olds, who are starting to learn conversation and speak words through play and daily life, can make all sorts of discoveries by reading picture books.
Some of you may be looking for perfect read-aloud books for children with a February theme, when winter’s chill is at its peak.
In this article, we’ve put together recommended picture books for two-year-olds for the month of February.
We’ll introduce a wide range—from unique picture books that kids can enjoy by imitating characters’ facial expressions to stories that warm the heart.
Be sure to try these works that let you feel the winter season indoors together with your children.
- [February] Picture books for 1-year-olds: books that evoke winter and Setsubun
- [February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with themes of Setsubun and winter
- [For 2-year-olds] Let's read together! Recommended picture books for March
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
- [For 2-year-olds] Enjoy spring-recommended picture books with your children
- [Childcare] Fun February craft ideas you’ll want to make with 2-year-olds!
- Ideas for Easy Winter Origami Crafts That Even 2-Year-Olds Will Love
- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- [For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [For preschoolers] A collection of origami ideas to enjoy February, including Setsubun and Valentine’s Day
[February] Recommended Picture Books for 2-Year-Olds: Books that Capture Winter and Setsubun (51–60)
Penelope plays in the snow
Penelope is a koala girl character who’s hugely popular with kids.
In this picture book, you can enjoy watching Penelope play in the snow in all sorts of ways.
Building snowmen, having snowball fights, sledding—there are lots of fun activities children will want to imitate! What’s more, it’s a lift-the-flap/interactive book, so you can move the mechanisms and play along with Penelope.
It’s a highly recommended book that lets you experience a variety of winter fun all in one volume.
When it’s hard to get real snowfall, why not enjoy some snow play with this book?
Cozy soup
When it comes to picture books perfect for the deepening winter chill, “Poka-Poka Soup” is the one to pick.
One day, Takkun catches a cold and is lying in bed when he hears a voice coming from deep inside the futon.
As he ventures further in, he finds a chef making warm soup just for him.
After drinking the soup, his whole body feels toasty warm.
The soup his mother made tastes just the same as the chef’s.
It’s a story set deep within the futon that will make you feel warm inside, too.
After you finish reading, you might just feel like peeking under your own covers.
Choo-choo Train: A Snowy Stroll
This is a story about animals riding a locomotive and taking a stroll through the snow.
A daruma doll sits in the driver’s seat, and beyond the snowy scenery, many other wintry touches are sprinkled throughout.
The locomotive is a huge hit, running along the tracks packed to the brim… when suddenly a big snowball drops down and it makes an emergency stop! Just what is that snowball…? Blending in classic winter pastimes, this is a book that lets you joyfully wander through a snowy landscape.
After reading, some children might even go looking for snow themselves.
I hope this picture book helps you feel the special delights that only a cold winter can bring.
Merry Christmas, Penelope!
This is a book that depicts Penelope’s fun Christmas.
It’s a lift-the-flap/popup-style picture book with lots of interactive features kids will love—lights that turn on, Penelope tumbling down, and more.
The story shows decorating the tree and having a party with relatives, making it feel familiar and enjoyable for children.
It’ll likely make them even more excited, thinking, “I want a Christmas like this!” The mechanisms aren’t complicated, so toddlers should be able to move them by themselves and have fun.
[February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that let you feel winter and Setsubun (61–70)
red gloves
This picture book charms with its gentle illustrations and storytelling, focusing on a child’s red mittens.
The two red mittens are always together, warmly wrapping a pair of small hands.
They helped when the child made a snowman for the first time and when rolling snowballs.
The way the red mittens are spoken of like close friends leaves your heart feeling softly warmed.
Children often lose their mittens, so if they think of them as friends like this, they might take better care of them.
In this book, the child loses one of the red mittens, too.
Let’s hope it’s found safe and sound…
Kuupii and Kirakira-chan
The story’s main character is Kuupee the little bear.
Kuupee meets Sparkle-chan, who has been separated from her friends, and decides to help her find them.
It’s a heartwarming tale perfect for winter read-alouds, and the white parts of the illustrations—like snow and snowmen—are fluffy to the touch, so you can enjoy the tactile feel as you read.
There are also glitter details and other fun features that kids will love.
As you search for Sparkle-chan’s friends with Kuupee, enjoy the textures and scenery of winter.
Snowy path stroll
Yukimichi Sanpo is a story about a girl taking a walk through a snowy landscape.
She looks outside to find a world of silver—who wouldn’t want to go out? Bundled up warmly, she crunches along the snow-covered path.
Along the way, she discovers camellia blossoms dusted with snow and icicles lined up along the eaves.
As you gaze at the beautiful watercolor illustrations, it feels as if a real winter scene is unfolding right before your eyes.
Children are sure to look on with sparkling eyes and enjoy it, too.
I’d be delighted if this picture book helps you find yet another way to enjoy winter.